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NTSB Report
June 24, 1984 · Balloon Works Firefly 7 · N4070W
Overland Park, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 1984
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Overland Park, KS
Aircraft
Balloon Works Firefly 7
Tail Number
N4070W
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC84LA182
PRIOR TO A SIGHT-SEEING FLT, THE PLT ORBAINED A WX BRIEFING & RELEASED TEST BALLOONS TO CHECK THE WIND SPD & DRCTN. THE PREVAILING WIND WAS IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AT ABOUT 8 KTS. THE PLT OF N4070W INITIATED HIS DEPARTURE FROM A SCHOOL YARD AFTER ANOTHER BALLOON TOOK OFF WITH NO DIFFICULTY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE BALLOON LIFTED OFF & WAS PROCEEDING IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED AN UNEXPECTED, UNFORCAST WIND GUST FROM THE WEST. HE STATED THAT THE WIND BLEW THE BALLOON TO THE ENE TOWARD AN ELECTRICAL POLE ABOUT 180 FT AWAY. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR OVER THE POLE & VENTED THE BALLOON PRIOR TO IMPACT. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE ELECTRICAL ARCING, THE SKIRT OF THE BALLOON IGNITED & THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR BURNS FROM A SHOWER OF SPARKS. ONE BALLOON ATTACH CABLE WAS BURNED THRU.
Full Narrative
PRIOR TO A SIGHT-SEEING FLT, THE PLT ORBAINED A WX BRIEFING & RELEASED TEST BALLOONS TO CHECK THE WIND SPD & DRCTN. THE PREVAILING WIND WAS IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AT ABOUT 8 KTS. THE PLT OF N4070W INITIATED HIS DEPARTURE FROM A SCHOOL YARD AFTER ANOTHER BALLOON TOOK OFF WITH NO DIFFICULTY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE BALLOON LIFTED OFF & WAS PROCEEDING IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED AN UNEXPECTED, UNFORCAST WIND GUST FROM THE WEST. HE STATED THAT THE WIND BLEW THE BALLOON TO THE ENE TOWARD AN ELECTRICAL POLE ABOUT 180 FT AWAY. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR OVER THE POLE & VENTED THE BALLOON PRIOR TO IMPACT. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE ELECTRICAL ARCING, THE SKIRT OF THE BALLOON IGNITED & THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR BURNS FROM A SHOWER OF SPARKS. ONE BALLOON ATTACH CABLE WAS BURNED THRU.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBalloon Works Firefly 7
Tail NumberN4070W
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:45
Weather SourceWFAC